as in decorative
serving to add beauty
the trim on Victorian houses is sometimes elaborately ornamental
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ornament
a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest
a collection of fragile ornamentals kept in a glass cabinet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ornamental
Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
The funding will also allow for construction of an ornamental structure to enhance the park’s performance pavilion, as originally envisioned.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
This tree was widely planted as an ornamental for its fall color, as a nectar source for honeybees, and as a source of vegetable tallow used in cosmetics and candles.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Adjective
With the start of the 2026 growing season inching closer, many seasoned gardeners of ornamental perennial and flower beds may be interested in expanding their horizons, venturing into the wonderful, wayfaring, wistful world of vegetable gardening.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
The funding will also allow for construction of an ornamental structure to enhance the park’s performance pavilion, as originally envisioned.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
Prune ornamental grasses to within a foot or two of the ground before growth begins.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
This tree was widely planted as an ornamental for its fall color, as a nectar source for honeybees, and as a source of vegetable tallow used in cosmetics and candles.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ornamental
Adjective
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Myra Zenke Mute swans are not native to America, and were first introduced to Illinois in 1971 as decorative birds for lakes, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.—
Mikayla Price,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
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New decorative traffic signal poles will be installed along with new curb, sidewalks and street pavement that improve accessibility and make the area more pedestrian friendly by calming traffic.—
Jake Allen,
IndyStar,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This ornament, situating them as something between a throw pillow and a hand muff, shrouds the thick-boned fore- and hindquarters that give them a characteristic rolling gait.—
Andrew Norman Wilson,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
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Putting up the Christmas tree last year with ornaments Ryan and his sister made was tough, Gary said.—
Emma Hurt,
AJC.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Thus noodles with butter went from a rare novelty to a kitchen staple for the Nguyens.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
5 Mar. 2026
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In the years since Microsoft was granted the patent, products offering to recreate the likeness of the dead have shifted from a novelty to services people use daily.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Tourist traps near smelters have even sold slag in little bags as souvenirs, much to the Environmental Protection Agency’s alarm.—
Sarah Henry,
AZCentral.com,
1 Mar. 2026
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The Chic Boutique Hiding Inside Hotel Drover Speaking of custom, the ultimate souvenir awaits at the on-site boutique.—
Karla Walsh,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Whether your baubles are gold, silver, diamond, or costume jewelry, here’s how to clean rings to maintain their brilliance and condition over time.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
23 Feb. 2026
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Small, independent merchants don’t offer the bric-a-brac of Christmas baubles of embroidered kilts found in nearby (and more touristy) Pitlochry, but instead opt for used books at The Birnam Reader, artisanal cheeses and baked goods at Aran Bakery, and small-batch gin at LÒN.—
Timothy Latterner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Whether antiques, cherished knickknacks, or heirlooms, items that are very delicate and/or precious to the customer are typically items house cleaners won’t want to mess with in order to cut down the risk of damaging them.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Feb. 2026
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Displaying books, plants, and knickknacks in your office looks extra stylish with this set of four wall cubbies; the top of each cubby offers extra open space to store even more items.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ox Lot Books keeps their shelves stocked high and their calendar of events lively, while Cottage Antiques is a treasure trove of crystal, china, and trinkets.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
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The black curtains go up, trinkets are removed, mirrors are covered, and John and Francesca’s portrait is veiled.—
Christina Grace Tucker,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ornamental. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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